lf as far as possible to the
admonition of each, inciting and urging them to good resolutions and aims
beneficial to the state and the nation. And this conduct and behavior of
the Chief acquired notoriety in 'Iraq.

So likewise during the period of their sojourn in 'Iraq certain
functionaries of foreign governments were desirous of intimacy, and sought
friendly relations [with them], but the Chief would not agree. Amongst
other strange haps was this, that in 'Iraq certain of the Royal Family
came to an understanding with these [foreign] governments, and, [induced]
by promises and threats, conspired with them. But this sect unloosed their
tongues in reproach and began to admonish them, saying, "What meanness is
this, and what evident treason; that man should, for worldly advantages,
personal profit, easy circumstances, or protection of life and property,
cast himself into this great detriment and evident loss, and embark in a
course of action which will conduce to the greatest abasement and involve
the utmost infamy and disgrace both here and hereafter! One can support
any baseness save treason to one's country, and every sin admits of pardon
and forgiveness save [that of] dishonoring one's government and injuring
one's nation." And they imagined that they were acting patriotically,
displaying sincerity and loyalty, and accounting sacred the duties of
fidelity; which noble aim they regarded as a moral obligation. So rumors
of this were spread abroad through 'Iraq-i-'Arab, and such as wished well
to their country loosed their tongues in uttering thanks, expressing
approval and respect. And it was supposed that these events would be
represented in the Royal Presence; but after a while it became known that
certain of the _Sh_ay_kh_s at the Supreme Shrines who were in
correspondence with the court, yea, even with the King, were in secret
continually attributing to this sect strange affinities and relations,
imagining that such attempts would conduce to favor at the Court and cause
advancement of [their] condition and rank. And since no one could speak
freely on this matter at that court which is the pivot of justice, whilst
just ministers aware [of the true state of the case] also regarded silence
as their best policy, the 'Iraq question, through these misrepresentations
and rumors, assumed gravity in Tihran, and was enormously exaggerated. But
the consuls-general, being cognizant of the truth, continued to act with
moderatio